If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Re: Contest 6 - Sudoku solver - Discussion

Well I'm mad. I finally got around to seeing why my program didn't solve all the puzzles and it looks like I just submitted the wrong copy of my code because I was submitting it in such a rush. Too bad I suppose. I still learned a lot in the process.

I really hope one of the mods hosts another contest soon. This was a lot of fun.

Re: Contest 6 - Sudoku solver - Discussion

Hi

I am trying to write a pure logic solver, I have got quite far. It is a pitty I didnt see this sooner or I could have entered my solution, which solves most medium level puzzles without guessing. Is there going to be a re-run? if not I will post my solution and hopefully get some help in finishing it! (translating the solving tactics into code is a bit of a nightmare)

Re: Contest 6 - Sudoku solver - Discussion

When i finish it i shall only post the algorithm not all the other stuff that was needed for the contest,it will take too much time otherwise. it will be interesting to see how they compare, i am doing something similar to merri but instead of using a string of bytes i am using arraycandidate(81,9) and arraysolution(81) and some nifty loops!

i presume bytes are faster to process or whatever but i would have thought to manipulate the byte strings to hold the data you want would take up more effort than manipulating arrays? dunno we shall see.

Re: Contest 6 - Sudoku solver - Discussion

Atm I don't see much value into it, I already have a custom title and I don't see a need to put colors into it etc.

Originally Posted by char1iecha1k

i am doing something similar to merri but instead of using a string of bytes i am using arraycandidate(81,9) and arraysolution(81) and some nifty loops!

i presume bytes are faster to process or whatever but i would have thought to manipulate the byte strings to hold the data you want would take up more effort than manipulating arrays?

Long arrays are faster, because processors are 32-bit. The processors are optimized for 32-bit values, thus 32-bit values are the fastest. From the sound of it, it looks like you're doing something completely different than what I did

What are byte strings? If you mean string data type, I have to tell you: they're very slow in VB, because strings are very wise and easy to use. Thus a lot of extra code checking for various things -> slow.

Re: Contest 6 - Sudoku solver - Discussion

Originally Posted by dglienna

I don't think so. Entered code will be available after the contest ends. It will be a learning experience for everyone, and things can continue after it ends. The thread was started before the contest was even brought up.

I notice a sharp drop in board activity, though.
So, who is still working on his/her program ?
Who did understand the other programs and was able to include
some ideas from them into his own program ?

Re: Contest 6 - Sudoku solver - Discussion

This is a ridiculous post bump, but I just wanted to say (6.5 years later!) that I think about this contest often. It was a fun problem to solve right when I started getting into programming. And now I code for a living. Hope everyone in the VB6 forums community is doing well. If anyone wants to reconnect with me, I'm over at blanchardjeremy.com. <3